UPDATED 06/11/2021 (ORIGINALLY POSTED: 05/17/2021) - BPOA has received many questions from licensed professionals about what happens to licensing waivers if the COVID-19 emergency disaster declaration is ended. With the Governor's signing of HB 854 (now Act 21 of 2021), licensing waivers will remain active until September 30, 2021, unless ended sooner. We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

POSTED: 05/14/2021 - On 5/13/21, the CDC provided guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Masking requirement will still be in place for unvaccinated individuals until 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

For more information please read the CDC guidance and the DOH press release.

The Department's offices in the North Office Building remain closed to the public. The Department of State continues to serve the public during the COVID-19 disaster declaration.

The processing of licenses and permits for health care practitioners continues to be a priority. Please refer to www.pals.pa.gov/verify to check the status of a license or permit.

For more details visit:

• COVID-19 Related Updates and Licensing Waivers for Health Care Professionals and Other Licensees
• Procedures for Administrative Hearings During COVID-19 Pandemic
• COVID-19 Information, Guidance, and Contact Information relating to the Department of State
• FAQ for information regarding BPOA continuing licensure, operational guidelines, and testing information.

If you are a member of the immigrant, refugee, or asylee community and you:

• have worked in a licensed profession or applied for a professional license in PA; OR
• moved to PA in the last 5 years.

Please help us improve the licensure process for new Pennsylvanians by taking our survey, which is available in: English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.